- On 17 November 2015, UNESCO’s General Conference adopted a resolution (38 C/70) declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the importance of public access to information within
- Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) that covers the need to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
- This year the focus of the IDUAI will be on the right to information in times of crisis and on the advantages of having
- constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information to save lives,
- Build trust and help the formulation of sustainable policies through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
- The day had been recognised as International Right to Know Day since 2002 and was developed by international civil society advocates beginning in 2012.
- The UNESCO resolution creating the day was pushed by African civil society groups seeking greater information transparency.